Ryysa Wins First Place at Phnom Penh's Monthly Graffiti Competition
c. keo // May 27 – may 28, 2022 // COMPETITION
Cambodia’s urban art scene is thriving, and one of the latest platforms for local talent is the monthly graffiti competition hosted by renowned Cambodian artist Fonki and his team at FT Gallery, located at the Factory in Phnom Penh. Sponsored by Tiger Beer, this event is quickly becoming the go-to space for artists and performers to showcase their skills—whether in mural painting or rap performances.
A Weekend of Art and Music in Phnom Penh
The centerpiece of the event is the mural competition, and this month’s edition marked the launch of what promises to be a series of exciting, creative weekends. The vibrant atmosphere was amplified by live music performances, turning the event into a full-on celebration of art and culture in Cambodia.
Meet the artists
This first edition brought together some of Cambodia’s most talented artists, including Sokheng, Javel, Koeng Rithy, and myself, Ryysa. Each artist was assigned a wall at the Factory to create their own masterpiece. The unique twist? The audience played an active role in deciding the winner by casting votes—empty Tiger Beer bottles and cans were dropped into designated bins to show support for their favorite mural.
A Tight Race to the Finish
The competition was fierce, with the final tally showing that both Rithy and I had tied for the most votes. In a surprising twist, Fonki and Sok Visal, founder of Klap Ya Handz, were asked to make the final call. In the end, the winner was decided in the most lighthearted way possible—through a game of rock-paper-scissors. Luckily, the odds were in my favor, and I walked away with the top prize in this inaugural event.
My Winning Design: Coming Soon
I’m thrilled to announce that my winning mural design will soon be available in my online shop. If you’d like to be notified when it’s released, feel free to send me a message at hello@ryysa.com. Stay tuned for more updates, and in the meantime, you can check out photos from the event on the Tiger Beer Facebook page.
